LOVE & SHARING CONCERT FOURTH ANNUAL
Empowering Dreams for All
Together We Rise, Together We Thrive.
September 18, 2024
I want to extend my warmest greetings to Give Chances as you bring the lights up on your fourth annual Love & Sharing Concert. I also want to thank you for your commitment to ensuring every student has quality, educational opportunities and access to free after-school programs. Your work has touched the lives of many in New Jersey, and across the country, and I commend you and am grateful to have you in our community as an excellent example of service to those around you.
I am proud to represent a district filled with community leaders like yourself that strive to decrease the achievement gap and empower youth through creativity. Because of your efforts, people are proud to call New Jersey home.
I am glad the community is able to come together and recognize your dedication to building a stronger New Jersey, and I join them in honoring your commitment to our youth. Thank you for all that you have accomplished in supporting the next generation’s educational successes, I wish you continued success in achieving your organization’s mission.
Sincerely,
Andy Kim Member of Congress
ABOUT GIVE CHANCES
Give Chances is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 with a mission to empower underprivileged individuals and drive transformative change within our communities. We accomplish this through education and job training programs that are designed to be effective, efficient, and accessible. Our long-term vision is to expand our learning centers worldwide, reaching more students and strengthening our support systems
Give Chances provides educational opportunities and job training for underprivileged communities, including children, youth, and people with disabilities We offer quality after-school programs at little to no cost, support young artists with developmental disabilities through employment and educational training in the arts, and provide philanthropic services to low-income families Additionally, we run a structured youth leadership program that prepares the next generation for success.
Child and Youth Education: The Joyful Learning After-School Program offers enriching educational experiences, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds The program provides homework assistance, English and Math enrichment, STE(A)M programming, extracurricular activities, and both in-person and online classes to ensure comprehensive support
Youth Development: Chance Makers and Junior Chance Makers are our High School and Middle School Youth Volunteer Councils -- focusing on leadership, advocacy for educational equity, and a range of other causes Members develop skills through research, volunteering, and engaging in meaningful causes -- preparing them to be future leaders
Disability Support: DDartists (Artists with Developmental Disabilities) Program empowers talented artists with developmental disabilities by offering internal employment and art education Their artworks gain exposure and generate income through exhibitions, sales, and fundraisers
Community Work: The Dream & Hope Program extends the impact of the Joyful Learning After-School Program by supporting low-income families with grocery deliveries, scholarships, and school supplies, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive
2024 Outcomes and
1. Joyful Learning After-School Program: Expanding Horizons
Spanning the Globe! This year, the Joyful Le After-School Program has expanded both nationwide and worldwide! We now proudly operate branches in New Jersey, New York Pennsylvania, and Seattle – all the way to various cities in India and Ethiopia.
Bridging Educational Gaps! We are also excited to launch new after-school programs for both middle and high school students. These programs are designed to bridge educational gaps and help economically disadvantaged students prepare for and succeed in colleg
Accomplishments
2. New Headquarters in Palisades Park:
A Cornerstone for Success! Our new headquarters in Palisades Park will enable us to care for the diverse ommunities we serve, while expanding our systems, manuals, and curriculum nationwide and worldwide. This state-of-the-art facility will be a ornerstone for educational excellence, fostering a supportive community and creating opportunities for students to reach their full potential. 101B
Our New Headquarters:
3. Expanding the Healing Program: Supporting Students and Parents
Holistic Support for All!
In response to the growing need for mental health and emotional support, we are expanding our Healing Program to better serve both students and their parents. This year, we have implemented new initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive prevention services and emotional wellbeing resources.
1 Parent Support Groups!
Recognizing the critical role parents play in their children's education and well-being, we have launched support groups for parents.
2 Student Mentoring Services!
Our expanded Healing Program now offers increased one-on-one mentoring sessions, group mentoring sessions, and mental health workshops.
3 Mental Health Campaigns!
We continue to organize a series of social media and offline campaigns that focus on mental health awareness, stress management, and creating supportive home environments.
4. DDartists (Artists with Developmental Disabilities) :
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Certified DDD Provider: (Community Inclusion and Prevocational Training)!
We are proud to announce that Give Chances has been approved as a provider by the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for Community Inclusion and Prevocational Training. As a result, the services provided by our program are now eligible for hourly financial support from the government, allowing for much more stable operations. Thanks to this partnership, our artists with developmental disabilities can continue their artistic activities in a better environment and receive improved support.
Pop-Up Store Success - Community Connection and Creativity!
Our pop-up store sales have seen tremendous success, fostering community interaction and enhancing social skills for our DDartists. This initiative has increased community inclusion and raised brand awareness for our program. DDartists is not just about creating artists; it's about investing in their potential, producing and selling their works, and reinvesting the proceeds to provide even more opportunities.
Our goal is to demonstrate to the community that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to succeed.
5. Chance Makers Youth Leadership
Council: Leading the Way
Annual Panel Discussion
Our second annual panel discussion brought together thought leaders who shared their personal experiences and insights -motivating our youth to face challenges and pursue their dreams. This event empowered the next generation with real-world guidance and inspiration to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Three-Year Cyclic Curriculum & Junior Chance Makers Pilot
We have created a robust three-year cyclic curriculum for our High School Chance Makers and Junior Chance Makers for middle school students. This year, we are expanding to establish a separate middle school leadership program!
6. Empowering Youth Volunteers
Inspiring Future Leaders! This year, we’ve seen a significant increase in high school volunteers, eager to make a difference both locally and globally. These young volunteers are not only participating in our programs but are also taking the lead in launching new initiatives such as archery, sports, and community service projects.
Developing Global Citizens! Many of our volunteers are now involved in worldwide initiatives -- eager to address pressing issues and create meaningful change. Through these experiences, our high school volunteers are growing as community leaders and philanthropists, gaining valuable skills and a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
7. Grant Expansion: Funding the Future
Securing the Future! Over the last couple of years, we received grants primarily for our after-school program. This year, we broadened our programming and funding areas:
Diverse Grant Achievements:
Jersey City Arts and Culture Fund: Received for the DDartists program, enhancing our support for artists with developmental disabilities.
NJ Office of Faith-Based Initiatives: Secured funding for our new STEM and arts programs, fostering innovation and creativity among our students.
Large Organizational Grants: Expanded general operating grants from national and local organizations.
2024
Love & Sharing Concert Program
OPENING PERFORMANCE
Heejae Kim, SungWook Kim
OPENING REMARKS
Executive Director, Dr. Anna Lee
CONGRATULATORY REMARKS
NJ Assemblywoman (District 37), Ellen Park
WELCOMING REMARKS
Chair of the Board, Kevin Lee
MUSIC PERFORMANCE 1
Dr. Christina Love Lee
VIDEO PRESENTATION
PLEDGE
Executive Director, Dr. Anna Lee
MUSIC PERFORMANCE 2
Dr. Christina Love Lee
RAFFLE
CLOSING
Musicians Bios
Christina Love Lee
Christina Love Lee is a board-certified clinician, performing artist, and pianist with a B A in Classical Piano Performance from SUNY Purchase and an M A in Music Therapy from NYU A finalist on South Korea's Superstar K (2011), she has collaborated with artists like Lee Seung Chul and contributed to the VICE documentary K-pop Machine Christina earned her PhD from Lesley University, focusing on music and therapy She is a certified vocal psychotherapist and currently teaches music while directing an NYC nonprofit supporting mental health and homelessness
Heejae Kim
Heejae Kim is a Korean-born lyric tenor pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts at Rutgers University. He has performed over 100 operatic roles with companies like New York City Opera and Seoul Metropolitan Opera. Notable roles include Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola and Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor. Heejae holds degrees from Seoul National University, Mannes School of Music, and Boston University Opera Institute
Sungwook Kim
SungWook Kim is a South Korean tenor known for roles like Don José in La Tragédie de Carmen A resident artist with Bare Opera, he has performed in Goyescas and L'Enfant Prodigue SungWook holds a Professional Studies Diploma from Mannes College and a Graduate Certificate from USC’s Thornton School of Music He teaches at Oikos University and serves as Music Director at New Covenant Reformed Church in New Jersey
The Love & Sharing Band features You Shin Kim (keyboard), Haedong Yoon (guitar), Daniel Choi (bass), and Aiden Kim (drums) Known for their dynamic energy and global performances, they bring unique styles and passion to the Love & Sharing Concert for an unforgettable experience tonight
About the Program: A Path to Hope and Opportunity
Transforming Talents into Careers –Where Creativity Meets Opportunity.
The DDartists (Artists with Developmental Disabilities) Program at Give Chances is dedicated to providing individuals with developmental disabilities the chance to develop their artistic talents and pursue meaningful internal employment Our program was born out of a desire to offer these talented individuals a platform to express their creativity while gaining valuable skills and job opportunities in the art and design industries
Through hands-on training, collaboration with professional designers, and participation in various fundraising events, our DDartists create beautiful products that provide them with income and raise awareness surrounding the abilities of people with disabilities. From greeting cards to tote bags, each item they produce is a testament to their dedication and creativity.
Meet our artists in the following pages!
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
JUSTIN CHO
Justin Cho is a talented young artist who enjoys creating little creatures and objects. He is determined, passionate about his work, and is full of potential. Justin creates art from the bottom of his heart and radiates positivity.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
EUNSONG HAM
Eunsong Ham loves to draw eyecatching, vivid illustrations of her original characters. Many of her designs are featured on our DDartist Christmas and Greeting cards. Eunsong dreams of becoming a professional artist.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
AILEEN KIM
Aileen always had an interest and talent for art. She loves drawing buildings, making her own characters, as well as drawing her favorite plants like flowers. Aileen often expresses herself by showing other people her art skills and various types of pieces. Currently, Aileen continues to draw what her heart desires.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
ALBERT KIM
While in school, Albert Kim’s teachers quickly recognized and admired his artistic talents. With the support of his family, Albert is now determined to become a game character designer. He draws to pursue his dream and to express himself, his experiences, and his emotions.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
SEOJIN JEON
Seojin Jeon is a lovely artist who recently discovered the joy of creating art. She enjoys the peace that comes from deeply focusing on her creative drive, and she can spend hours handcrafting and assembling Lego creations without getting tired.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
SUNGBAE PARK
Sungbae Park enjoys depicting vivid scenes from his memory. He struggled to find a passion in life until he developed an unexpected fascination with drawing a few years ago. For Sungbae, the act of creation brings him peace and joyful discoveries of a new world.
Introducing
(DDartist: Artist with developmental disabilities)
DOHA SIM
Doha Sim loves to observe the natural world and is deeply fascinated by digital art. He is an avid creator and storyteller who loves to communicate with the world through his art. Doha's artwork often features dinosaurs, various animals, and his original characters.
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Your dedication to transforming underprivileged students through education is truly inspiring!